A Different Kind of American Dream

Growing up on a dairy farm in rural Pennsylvania, Emily Montgomery couldn't wait to see the world beyond the cows, chores and early mornings.

She certainly never imagined she'd come home to make cheese.

But after building a career in the food industry and living in California, Emily and her husband decided to return to her family's farm in Wayne County, Pennsylvania, where five generations had worked the land before her.

Their idea was simple: turn some of the farm's milk into a product that could generate additional income and help keep the family business going.

That idea became Calkins Creamery, an award-winning artisan cheesemaking business in Honesdale whose products have earned national and international recognition, including top honors for its Brie.

On this episode of HarmonyTALK, host Todd Stephens talks with Emily about growing up on the farm, finding her way into cheesemaking and the unexpected challenges of building a small business from scratch.

Emily shares the amusing story of her earliest cheese experiments, including a few batches so unsuccessful that the pigs became her first customers.

She also explains the science, patience and craftsmanship behind exceptional cheese, and why winning international awards hasn't changed her approach to the business.

For Emily, success means making great cheese, taking care of her employees and customers, and helping preserve the family farm.

Their conversation also explores the difficult economics facing American dairy farmers, the importance of knowing where our food comes from and why Emily has resisted the pressure to grow beyond what she and her team can manage.

And there's a deeply personal side to the story.

Through Calkins Creamery's annual Herd the Curd fundraiser, Emily and her family honor her late brother, Michael, by supporting people in need throughout their community. The event has helped return $128,000 to local residents through charitable grants.

It's a lively, heartfelt conversation about family, entrepreneurship, perseverance and the satisfaction of building something meaningful close to home.

Sometimes the biggest dreams bring us right back to where we started.